First time builder here, and I am in need of some advice. I've looked around the web and watched countless videos but I am still confused on a few questions. As you will tell, I've decided to blow some serious change on my man cave and evolve my computer hobbies besides mostly gaming and surfing. Even though those are still main priority, trading and programming and other creative ventures are a large influence in this purchase.

As you can see, I'm trying to rock a 3-monitor setup for the first time. If this build is completely amateur lmk as I am computer part illiterate for the most part. Anyways, I figure I am only going to need the three monitor setup for a select few games(BF, Flight sim, and a racing game here and there). So when I am not gaming, I would prefer 3 desktops rather than 1 big one (believe I read this might be an issue with NVidia), which I guess is my main reasoning for having 16gigs of ram.

So, the main question I have is if I should get another 660ti, go with 1 670, or scrap the gtx idea? Also, would going with a 3 21" 1080p monitors change the dollar amount on this purchase by a considerable margin (when considering what graphics card)? Any info at all I should be aware of when making this purchase?

Basically keeping this under 2000 is main priority, but if I could snag a deal without considerable performance drop-offs at 1500-1700 then I would be greatly satisfied. A whole new build is ok with me as long as it gives the best overall performance of both worlds (gaming/multitasking).

Thanks so much for any helpful replies and I'll be here for any questions you might have for me.

I am not sure but I believe AMD cards handle 3 monitors better especially with their better vram management overall. I may be wrong though and nvidia may handle flight simulator better too... This one is a little out of my league. I'll let more knowledgeable individuals handle this one

like va buckeye said, your ability to run multiple monitors for gaming is going to be dependent on your gpu and not system ram. you will have to refer to bluebarracuda or coyote who have more experience with gaming on triple monitors.

Also, i think that paying 64 dollars a set for 1333 value ram is a bit of a stretch. I would look for something 1600-1866 in that price range.

a few points: 1. remember socket 1155 is dead, so no upgrades will be available. 1150 or AM3+ if you want an upgradeable board. 2. get some 1600Mhz RAM. i love kingston hyperX and it will be the same price. 3. both the SSD and HDD need to be upgraded. get a 120GB ssd at minimum. HDD prices are so cheap you can get a lot more space for just a few dollars more. just be sure its a 7200 RPM drive. the only thing 5400 and green drives are good for are backups. 4. you need a better video card for gaming in triple monitors, specifically you need at least a 3GB vRAM card. I know nvidia is better with flight sim, but AMD makes better multi monitor cards (other than TITANS of course). minimum card should be a 7950 boost, imo.

eta: is there a particular reason you went with a full tower? you can save some money (that can be put to a better vid card) if you went with a good mid tower case.

eta2: i just realized that was 660ti, i thought it was a 650ti. the 660ti and 7950 boost are basically the same card if you go by benchmarks, but the 7950 will have the extra GB of vRAM - which is important.

Tbh, it was the coolest looking case I found that was compatible with the front panel usb 3.0 ports on my motherboard with the limited time I put into shopping around. Not that I care that much about the ports or the case, I just wanted everything to "fit" I guess. Definitely agree that i should reconsider cheaper alternatives.